What Every NZ Business Needs to Know About the 2026 Payroll Changes
As legislation continues to shift across the New Zealand employment and payroll landscape, thousands of small businesses risk falling behind—often without realising it. From updated minimum standards to complex changes to leave, holidays, and KiwiSaver obligations, 2026 brings one of the most significant compliance shifts in recent years.
For busy owners, payroll administrators, office managers, and bookkeepers, the speed of change can feel overwhelming. Yet failing to understand the impact and apply these changes correctly can lead to underpayments, financial penalties, employee disputes, and audit risk.
To support employers and payroll professionals across Aotearoa, The Ontrack Group is hosting a free 30-minute live webinar with Q&A following, designed to simplify what’s changing, what it means for your business, and the practical steps you must take now to stay compliant and confident.
5 Key Risks for NZ Businesses in 2026
- Not understanding how the new rules apply to different employee types: Changes impact part-timers, casuals, fixed-term staff, and salaried employees differently.
- Incorrect calculations leading to underpayments: Even small errors create compounding risk across leave, KiwiSaver, and pay cycles.
- Checking your payroll settings inside software: All systems require manual review to ensure new legislation is applied correctly.
- Assuming “the accountant will catch it”: Payroll sits with the employer—errors remain the business owner’s legal responsibility.
- Poor documentation and lack of process: Without accurate records, businesses are exposed during disputes or compliance checks.
Free Webinar: Payroll Changes 2026: What You Need to Know
Date: Monday, 23 March
Time: 7.30pm NZDT
Duration: 30 minutes
Host: Di Crawford-Errington — Managing Director, Payroll Certified Leader (NZPPA), Master Bookkeeper (ICNZB
What We’ll Cover:
- The most important payroll legislation changes taking effect in 2026;
- How these updates impact calculations, leave, KiwiSaver, and entitlements;
- What business owners, payroll admins, and bookkeepers must do to remain compliant;
- What to check in your payroll system on 1 April;
- Contractors Gateway test to ensure you don’t fall foul of the employee rules; and
- Some fishhooks to watch for in the draft Employee Leave Bill.
Following the webinar, there will be a short Q&A. If you cannot attend live, you can still register
to receive the replay.
FIND WEBINAR recording here.
About Ontrack Group
The Ontrack Group is a trusted New Zealand payroll and business support provider with more than 20 years’ experience helping business owners, payroll professionals, VAs, and bookkeepers get payroll right.
We provide practical, accessible training, payroll audits, compliance support, mentoring, and end-to-end payroll solutions. Our mission is simple: to empower Kiwi businesses with the clarity, confidence, and capability they need to meet their obligations and support their people. Because successful businesses create successful communities.
From legislative updates to hands-on help, we specialise in turning complex payroll rules into easy-to-understand guidance business owners can action immediately.
Visit: www.theontrackgroup.co.nz
Insights from the team at The Ontrack Group.
